Bill Dillon Retires from the Woods Hole Field Center

Bill Dillon's (second from left) family joined him at his retirement party last month. The
group is posing in front of a photo display depicting Bill's career.
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After more than 30 years with the USGS, Bill Dillon retired from the Woods Hole Field Center
(WHFC) on January 3, 2002. We threw a surprise party to celebrate Bill's retirement on January
25. Bill's work on Caribbean tsunamis and gas hydrates is internationally regarded as expert
research. Among the well-wishers were coworkers from WHFC, the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution (WHOI), the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and other USGS
offices, as well as partners from private industry. Most importantly, Bill's wife and family,
including all three children (his youngest daughter made a surprise visit from California) and
his three grandchildren, were there to express their happiness for Bill.

The party had a nautical theme to emphasize Bill's love of sailing. There was also a photo
display depicting Bill's career, starting with his teaching at the University of Rhode Island
and ending with a cover story about gas hydrates in the National Enquirer (a career peak).
The display also had many adventure-at-sea photographs. Although no formal speeches
were delivered, some people did have a word or two to say about Bill. Among the
descriptions were "great scientist," "gentleman," and "great dad." Congratulations,
Bill! Happy sailing.